[An unusual asthma attack]

Abstract

A pregnant woman presented with an asthma attack with a poor clinical evolution, requiring intubation. Medications traditionally used for the treatment of asthma in non-pregnant patients (short-acting beta-2 agonists, short-acting muscarinic antagonists, systemic corticosteroids) are considered safe during pregnancy, except for epinephrine. A systematic obstetrical evaluation is a key component in the evaluation and management of an asthmatic crisis during pregnancy. The use of peak-flow spirometers and arterial blood gas can help to recognize the degree of severity of an acute asthma attack.